JOESAM2002

FIVE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL SAINTS CAMP
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Jeff Duncan
1. Build momentum.

The club needs to pick up where it left off in June. Coach Jim Haslett said the attitude and professionalism of the team this offseason was the best it's been in his five years as coach. It needs to stay that way. It's up to the team's core of young leaders to maintain focus and carry it into the regular season.


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2. Get healthy.

Several key players were recovering from injuries during the offseason. Defensive end Darren Howard (wrist), tight end Ernie Conwell (foot), center LeCharles Bentley (knee), safety Tebucky Jones (ankle), defensive lineman Willie Whitehead (knee) and running back Aaron Stecker (groin) must avoid setbacks in their recoveries.

3. Find a middle linebacker.

The three-way battle between Orlando Ruff, Cie Grant and Courtney Watson should be the most-heated competition of camp. One of the three needs to take control of the defense.

4. Settle receiver depth.

Starters Joe Horn and Donté Stallworth are set. After that it's wide open. Veteran Jerome Pathon has the inside track for the critical No. 3 receiver spot but will be challenged by Germane Crowell, Talman Gardner, Kerwin Cook, Michael Lewis, Derrick Lewis and rookie Devery Henderson.

5. Watch the weight.

Defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, and to a lesser extent, reserve cornerback Keyuo Craver, must report in shape and stay that way. A well-conditioned, productive Sullivan is critical. Craver's future could be in jeopardy if he doesn't respond to Haslett's offseason challenge.

-- Jeff Duncan